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Former Argentina captain Antonio Rattin, whose controversial dismissal at the 1966 FIFA World Cup inspired the introduction of yellow and red cards in football, has died at the age of 89.
His former club, Boca Juniors, confirmed his death on Saturday, paying tribute to one of the most iconic figures in the club’s history.
Rattin spent his entire playing career with Boca Juniors, making 382 appearances between 1956 and 1970. He scored 28 goals, won four Argentine league titles and helped the club reach the 1963 Copa Libertadores final.
Boca Juniors pay tribute
In a statement, Boca Juniors expressed their sadness at the passing of the former midfielder.
“With great sorrow, we mourn the passing of Antonio Ubaldo Rattin, an idol and symbol of our institution,” the club said.
“We stand with his family and loved ones at this difficult time. Farewell, Rata.”
Rattin also enjoyed a distinguished international career, representing Argentina from 1959 to 1969 and featuring at the 1962 and 1966 World Cups.
World Cup incident changed football
The defining moment of Rattin’s career came during Argentina’s 1-0 quarter-final defeat to England at the 1966 World Cup.
He was sent off by German referee Rudolf Kreitlein but refused to leave the pitch, claiming he could not understand the official because he did not speak Spanish.
As he walked off, Rattin bent an England corner flag and sat on a red carpet reserved for Queen Elizabeth II in protest.
Recalling the incident years later, he said: “When I got to the corner, I twisted the English flag and insulted them. Then I went over to the carpet the Queen used to enter the stadium and sat there for about five minutes. It was a very nice red carpet.”
The controversy highlighted communication difficulties between referees and players from different countries, prompting FIFA to introduce the yellow and red card system at the 1970 World Cup.